Canyon Grizl 5 vs. Cube Nuroad EX: Affordable entry-level gravel bikes go head-to-head

​Anyone looking for maximum off-road fun on a reasonable budget will inevitably come across the Canyon Grizl 5 and the Cube Nuroad EX when doing their research. Two very different bikes, both offering excellent value for money.

​In a nutshell

Cube offers the Nuroad EX* Thanks to the Shimano GRX 12-speed groupset, it offers a more powerful, modern component package for sporty tours and is the lighter bike overall. However, if you’re looking for extended, rugged bikepacking adventures off the beaten track, go for the more affordable Canyon Grizl 5 with its robust components and generous tyre clearance.

​The gravel bike market is booming. So it’s no wonder that manufacturers in the higher price brackets are constantly outdoing one another with technological innovations. The real art, however, lies in producing a bike in the just-under four-figure euro range that doesn’t require any half-hearted compromises. It is precisely in this highly competitive category – ‘the most affordable entry into gravel biking’ – that the Canyon Grizl 5 and the Cube Nuroad EX* side by side. Both models offer remarkably high-quality features and modern frame designs for their price range. The comparison is all the more interesting given that both manufacturers position themselves on the basis of value for money, yet represent completely different retail models: direct-to-consumer versus a specialist retailer brand.

Canyon has always been regarded as a true pioneer in direct sales. Over the last few years, however, the Koblenz-based company has successfully shed its image as a mere ‘mail-order business’ and transformed itself into an emotive, sporty premium brand defined by innovation and sporting success. On the other hand, there is the Bavarian giant Cube: the quintessential specialist retailer, which boasts a vast dealer network and, with a smug grin, is often even able to undercut the prices of the cheapest mail-order companies.

Geometry and frame: different characteristics

A comparison of the frames reveals clear differences in design. The Canyon Grizl 5 features the typical Gravel Pro geometry and utilises an aluminium frame developed entirely from scratch for this model year, which has shed a impressive 120 grams compared to its predecessor. As is typical for the Grizl, the wheelbase and reach are long, which provides excellent off-road stability and a smooth ride. Cube enters the fray with the Nuroad EX and its tried-and-tested ‘Gravel Comfort Geometry’, which is noticeably more compact and has a more upright riding position.

In this price range, you generally won’t find highly specialised bikes, but rather versatile all-rounders. In other words, bikes that are perfect for a quick spin after work, but are equally suited to commuting, long rides or bikepacking adventures. The Grizl offers a huge tyre clearance of up to 54 mm (equivalent to 2.1-inch mountain bike tyres), whilst the Cube Nuroad EX tops out at 45 mm. Both models feature numerous mounting points for luggage racks and mudguards, as well as lowrider mounts on the fork. You won’t find an integrated down tube storage compartment on aluminium frames in this price range, but the Canyon does at least offer compatibility with the snug-fitting Load-Fidlock bag system.

Consensus on the components: Both Canyon and Cube opt for carbon forks and aluminium for the handlebars and seatpost.

Thanks to its flatter head angle and overall longer frame (top tube, reach, wheelbase), the Canyon is much better suited to rough trails, adventure riding and bikepacking. The Cube offers a slightly more upright riding position, handles more nimbly and rides more comfortably on classic gravel tours.

Frame specifications (frame height 56 / M)

Drivetrain and gears: Shimano Cues versus GRX

When it comes to drivetrains, both manufacturers are taking different approaches to cater for the popular, low-maintenance single-chainring trend (without a front derailleur). Canyon fits the Grizl 5 with the new Shimano CUES groupset (1x11-speed). With its Linkglide components, the CUES is considered to be extremely low-wear, shifts crisply and offers very affordable spare parts. However, due to the 1x11-speed setup, you have to put up with slightly coarser gear ratios. Cube has really gone all out here, equipping the Nuroad EX with a higher-quality Shimano GRX 1x12-speed groupset (a mix of RX610 shifters and the RX822 rear derailleur with a damped cage). Paired with a 10–51 Deore cassette, the Cube offers a noticeably wider gear range for steep climbs, whilst also providing smaller gear steps.

Brakes: 160 mm versus 180 mm discs

Safety and control are top priorities for both models, as despite price pressures, neither brand has opted for unreliable mechanical brakes. The Canyon Grizl 5 is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes from the Shimano CUES series, combined with a large 180 mm front brake disc. Cube relies on the tried-and-tested, ergonomic Shimano GRX ST-RX610 brake levers in conjunction with the hydraulic GRX BR-RX410 brake calipers and classic 160 mm rotors at both the front and rear. Both systems deliver powerful yet finely controllable braking; however, the GRX levers on the Cube are slightly more ergonomic and comfortable to use.

Wheels and tyres: up to 54 mm are possible

When it comes to wheels, Canyon fits robust DT Swiss Gravel LN aluminium wheels with a 24 mm rim width, on which the 45 mm-wide Schwalbe G-One Bite Performance tyres provide good grip on loose terrain. Cube rides on the lightweight and stiff Newmen Performance X.R.25 gravel wheels, combined with Schwalbe G-One Allround Performance tyres, also 45 mm wide. The Cube setup feels a touch livelier on tarmac and firm gravel, whilst the Canyon, thanks to its wide rims, is perfectly suited for fitting tyres up to 54 mm wide.

The Canyon Grizl 5: a fact check

• Price: 1,299 euros
• Available frame sizes: 7 sizes from 2XS to 2XL
• Frame: Aluminium frame, carbon fork with triple mounts, mounts for front and rear luggage racks, mudguards
• Max. tyre clearance: 54 mm
• Drive/Gearbox: Shimano CUES 1x11
• Brakes: Shimano CUES hydraulic brakes (180/160 mm)
• Wheels: DT Swiss Gravel LN (24 mm internal width)
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Bite Performance, 45 mm
• Total weight: approx. 11.3 kg (manufacturer’s specification)

The Cube Nuroad EX: a fact check

• Price: 1,399 euros >> available here*
• Available frame sizes: 6 sizes (size split: XXS to 27.5", XS to XL to 28")
• Frame: Superlite aluminium, integrated cable routing, full-carbon fork, eyelets for mudguards, kickstand and lowrider luggage rack
• Max. tyre clearance: 45 mm (40 mm with mudguards)
• Drive/Gearbox: Shimano GRX RX610/RX822 1x12
• Brakes: Shimano GRX RX610/RX410 hydraulic disc brakes (160/160 mm)
• Wheels: Newmen Performance X.R.25
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Allround Performance, 45 mm
• Total weight: 10.2 kg

Conclusion

The head-to-head between value-for-money specialists Canyon and Cube ends in an extremely close finish. Although the Cube Nuroad EX costs 100 euros more, it offers the higher-quality 12-speed GRX groupset and is around 1 kilo lighter. Advantage Cube. However, the key differences between the two bikes are more evident in their intended use: the Cube Nuroad EX is the nimble, sporty all-rounder for fast rides and daily speed sessions. The Canyon Grizl 5, on the other hand, is the robust adventure and bikepacking bike, which really comes into its own on rough trails thanks to its generous tyre clearance and exceptionally smooth ride.